Space Brief 25 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers significant growth forecasts for global defense satellite communications, the integration of hypersonic missiles, cyber authority expansion in the Army, and more pivotal military developments.
STARLINK-2634 (48445)
COSPAR: 2021-040T | Alt Name: Starlink 2634
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 9, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48445
International Designator
2021-040T
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:01:27 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
356.00°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
86.97°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2634
Alternative Name
Starlink 2634
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48445U 21040T 26185.20934795 .00005948 00000-0 20319-3 0 9997
2 48445 53.1594 355.9952 0000984 86.9707 273.1407 15.31712111284539
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2634 satellite, also known as Starlink 2634, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 9, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with an overall span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms and it weighs 260 kilograms at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The design of the spacecraft is characterized by its box and pan shape, intended for communication purposes as part of the Starlink constellation.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
2.8
Span
9
Dry Mass
248
Launch Mass
260
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink V1.0-L27-18
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Krypton ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes)
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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